Czechia

Historic Shift: Czechia Ends Russian Oil Dependency After 60 Years

The Czech Republic is set to end its reliance on Russian oil as it closes the pipeline taps after more than 60 years. Starting December 5, the country will no longer benefit from an EU exemption on Russian oil imports, halting the flow of crude through the Druzhba oil pipeline. This decision marks a turning point in Czech energy independence and reflects broader European efforts to counter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The Druzhba pipeline, a Cold War-era project, was the first to deliver oil to Czechoslovakia, beginning in 1962. For decades, it served as a vital artery, delivering up to 18 million tons of oil annually before the fall of communism in 1989. Marek Vošahlík, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, confirmed the decision: “In light of the Czech Republic’s steps toward independence from Russian oil, there is no reason to extend the exemption.” Transitioning to Alternative Oil Supplies The Czech Republic has outlined a plan to replace Russian oil. Central to this strategy is the expansion of the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL), which will double its capacity to deliver up to eight million tons of oil annually starting next year. The country imports oil through two main sources: the Druzhba...

 by Prague Morning Dec 02, 2024

Pilsner Urquell to Represent Czech Craftsmanship at EXPO 2025 in Osaka

Pilsner Urquell is set to make its mark at the EXPO 2025 world exhibition in Osaka, Japan. The brewery has become a partner of the Czech pavilion, which this year will focus on the themes of talent and creativity. “At EXPO, we aim to showcase the best of our country. We are therefore delighted that Pilsner Urquell will be part of the event. This beer, which inspired the world and originated the pilsner category, is a testament to the creativity and skill of talented individuals,” stated Zdeněk Kovář, spokesperson for Plzeňský Prazdroj. Authentic Czech Beer Experience in Osaka Visitors to the Czech pavilion will have the opportunity to experience freshly tapped Pilsner Urquell beer, served directly from draft by specially trained bartenders. The brewery has emphasized its commitment to maintaining authentic quality, preparing the bartenders with comprehensive training in Pilsen. “Under the guidance of our commercial brewers, the team not only mastered proper beer-tapping techniques but also learned about the brewing process and the history of Pilsner Urquell. They even practiced tapping under high-pressure conditions in local restaurants,” explained Kovář. At the pavilion, visitors will learn the art of tapping three distinct styles of Pilsner beer: hladinka, šnyt, and mlíko....

 by Prague Morning Nov 30, 2024

New Discount Chain is Entering the Czech Market

The German discount chain Woolworth is launching in the Czech Republic, aiming to rival established players like Pepco, KiK, and Action. Offering a wide range of products including clothing, household items, shoes, cosmetics, stationery, toys, and home textiles, Woolworth’s prices will typically hover around 3 euros. This move places the company in direct competition with Pepco, Action, and KiK, all of which have been gaining traction in the Czech market. For example, KiK is set to open 11 new stores this year, bringing its total store count in the Czech Republic to 240, according to the Seznam Zprávy website. “The stores are not closing. I think they are doing well because people still want to save. They will buy a T-shirt in a Pepco store instead of in Gant,” commented Tomáš Soukup, director of the retail division at IO Partners. As large retailers, including hypermarkets and electronics stores, scale back their operations, many are leasing vacant spaces. At the same time, shopping parks are actively being developed. “Store sizes are naturally shrinking due to companies investing more in online and omnichannel strategies—where customers can view goods in-store and have them delivered, or vice versa,” explained Soukup. However, Woolworth’s success in...

 by Prague Morning Nov 29, 2024

Czechia to Donate an Additional CZK 12 Million for Non-Military Aid to Ukraine

The Czech government has approved a donation of CZK 12.1 million to the NATO Trust Fund, aimed at providing non-military aid to Ukraine. This decision, made during a government meeting on Wednesday, aligns with the Czech Republic’s foreign and defense policy priorities. The NATO Trust Fund, which has been operational since 2016, serves as a vital tool for delivering non-military assistance to Ukraine. Contributions to the fund include fuel, medical supplies, food, winter clothing, and defensive systems against unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). While weapons and other military equipment are supplied by individual countries, the European Peace Facility also plays a role in supporting military needs. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this latest contribution is in line with commitments made at the NATO summit in Vilnius last year. At that summit, the Trust Fund was designated as a long-term initiative, focusing on security and defense sector reforms in Ukraine, as well as helping the Ukrainian armed forces align with NATO standards for full cooperation. Contributions to the NATO Trust Fund are voluntary, and the Czech government had previously pledged a donation of approximately 60 million crowns a year ago. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out...

 by Prague Morning Nov 29, 2024

Coffee Prices in Czechia Surge by 46% Since 2015

Coffee prices have surged to record highs in recent years, with the trend showing no signs of slowing down. Increasing global demand, coupled with a shrinking supply, has created concerns about potential shortages, warn analysts. In the Czech Republic, the price of coffee has risen by a staggering 46% since 2015, compared to a 34% average increase across the EU, according to XTB data derived from Eurostat statistics. “In the first eight months of 2024, the average cost for 250 grams of roasted coffee beans reached CZK 130, ten crowns more than in the same period last year,” explained Jiří Tyleček, an analyst at XTB. He predicts that coffee prices could climb another 10% to 30% in 2025, affecting both retail costs and café offerings. Global Factors Driving the Surge The rising prices are driven by multiple global factors. According to Lubomír Kadaně, director of Fairtrade Czech Republic and Slovakia, the cost of Arabica coffee has soared to over $3 per pound—its highest level since 2011. A prolonged drought in Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, has sharply reduced production, creating a ripple effect in global markets. “This reduced supply has driven traders to respond with significant price hikes,” Kadaně...

 by Prague Morning Nov 28, 2024

Czech Billionaire Křetínský Closes in on Deal to Buy British Royal Mail

The sale of Royal Mail to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group is close to being finalized and could be confirmed in the next two weeks, according to sources close to the deal. The BBC on Thursday cited sources close to the deal as saying that Kretinsky has agreed to make extra concessions in order to clinch the takeover. The deal will still have to be approved under the National Security and Investment Act although officials stepped in with a similar review when he increased his stake in the company. Kretinsky’s EP Group declined to comment to the BBC. The entrepreneur has already offered the following guarantees in a bid to secure the deal. He has pledged to maintain the “one price goes anywhere” universal service and not to raid the pension surplus. He has also said he will keep the brand name and Royal Mail’s headquarters and tax residency in the UK for the next five years and respect union demands for no compulsory redundancies to take place until 2025. Křetínský’s offer values ​​the company Royal Mail at £3.6 billion (almost 110 billion CZK). The management of the company International Distribution Services (IDS), which owns Royal Mail, accepted the...

 by Prague Morning Nov 28, 2024

Prepare for Winter: Snow and Ice Expected Across Czech Regions

Winter is making its presence felt this weekend, with snowfall and icy conditions forecast across much of the Czech Republic. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute predicts heavy snow in mountainous areas and chilly temperatures nationwide, signaling the start of the cold season. Friday: Snowfall in Higher Altitudes Friday, November 29, will be dominated by cloudy and overcast skies. Rain is expected in lower regions, while areas above 500 meters above sea level will see steady snowfall. The mountains will bear the brunt, with forecasts suggesting 15-25 cm of fresh snow could accumulate by the end of the day. Daytime temperatures will range from 2°C to 6°C, so dress warmly if heading outdoors. Saturday: Clearing Skies, Less Precipitation Saturday brings a slight respite, though the day will still begin cloudy and overcast. Occasional rain showers are possible in the southeast, and higher elevations may still see snowfall. By evening, precipitation is expected to taper off, and clear skies could emerge in some areas. Daytime temperatures will remain similar, hovering between 2°C and 6°C. Sunday: Frosty Start, Clear Day Sunday promises clear or partly cloudy skies, with no precipitation forecast. However, be cautious during the early morning hours, as frost and ice are...

 by Prague Morning Nov 28, 2024

Czechia Is Getting Ready for Driverless Cars

Starting in 2026, the Czech Republic will implement a ‘conditional automation’ system, allowing drivers to use autopilot in certain situations, while still requiring them to be ready to take control if necessary. This milestone aligns with the European Union’s push to modernize road traffic laws to accommodate autonomous vehicles. “Autonomous driving is a major trend in the automotive industry,” said Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS), emphasizing the need for updates to current legislation. The upcoming amendment will introduce “Level 3” autonomous systems, enabling vehicles to take over driving tasks on designated sections of highways, but with the requirement that drivers remain prepared to resume control. Conditional Automation: What Drivers Need to Know Under the new system, drivers can temporarily relinquish control to the autopilot on pre-approved stretches of road. However, they must take over when prompted. If a driver fails to act within 10 seconds, the vehicle will initiate a “minimal risk maneuver,” pulling over to stop safely. Liability during autonomous driving depends on the situation: If the car operates independently and causes an accident, the manufacturer is liable. If the system requests driver intervention and the driver fails to respond, the driver assumes responsibility. Authorities will assess fault using...

 by Prague Morning Nov 27, 2024

New Index Shows Locations with Best Quality of Life in Czechia

Říčany has once again been crowned the best city to live in the Czech Republic in 2024. This conclusion comes from a comprehensive study conducted by Deloitte in collaboration with the “Community in Data” project, which analyzed 206 of the largest cities and towns in the country. Evaluation Criteria Each city was assessed based on 29 key criteria derived from official statistics. These included: Average life expectancy Population growth trends Crime and road accident rates Availability of medical care and doctors Access to schools, kindergartens, and other educational institutions Support for sustainable development Levels of environmental cleanliness Unemployment rates and median salary sizes Access to restaurants, pharmacies, ATMs, and leisure facilities Říčany, located in the Středočeský kraj (Praha-Východ district), claimed the top spot for the seventh consecutive year. The city stood out for its low unemployment rates, excellent medical care for children, high-quality schools, and a strong sense of safety. Additionally, its efficient transport links and abundance of pharmacies further solidify its position as the best place to live in the Czech Republic. Prague secured second place, while the South Moravian town of Hustopeče rounded out the top three. Purpose of the Study The goal of this research is to...

 by Prague Morning Nov 27, 2024

Czech GPs Will be Able to Prescribe Medical Cannabis Next Year

Patients suffering from chronic pain in the Czech Republic will soon have greater access to medicinal cannabis, following a new decree from the Ministry of Health. Starting April 1, 2025, general practitioners will be authorized to prescribe cannabis for pain relief, a significant step toward meeting patient demand and reducing dependency on traditional analgesics and opiates. The decision comes after years of lobbying by patients and medical professionals. Ministry spokesperson Ondřej Jakob confirmed to Novinky and Právo that the new rules are designed to simplify access. “The decree allows GPs to prescribe medicinal cannabis for chronic, intractable pain,” Jakob said, highlighting efforts to accommodate reasonable proposals during the drafting process. Petr Šonka, Chairman of the Association of GPs of the Czech Republic, has welcomed the change. “If GPs can prescribe opiates such as morphine, it is logical they should also be allowed to prescribe medicinal cannabis,” he explained. Šonka emphasized that cannabis could be especially valuable for terminal cancer patients experiencing severe pain. Until now, cannabis prescriptions were restricted to specialists, significantly limiting access. Official data reveals that only 8,000 patients currently use cannabis legally, while demand far exceeds this number. Widespread Home Use Highlights Need for Reform In stark...

 by Prague Morning Nov 26, 2024

Survey: Nearly a Million Czechs Struggle with Problematic Sexual Behaviors

A new survey has revealed that 9% of the Czech population experiences at least one form of sexual deviation, commonly known as paraphilia. This study, conducted after a decade, sheds light on the state of sexual health in the Czech Republic. Approximately 30% of people with paraphilic preferences could benefit from professional intervention. However, only 6.9% of affected individuals seek help, according to Kateřina Klapilová, head of the Center for Sexual Health and Interventions at the National Institute of Mental Health. “It’s important to note that having a paraphilic preference does not equate to committing a crime,” Klapilová emphasizes. This distinction helps combat stigma, particularly the misconception that pedophiles or other paraphilic individuals are inherently violent. Sexual Deviations in Numbers Preliminary data from the CZECHSEX survey, the first nationwide research of its kind in ten years, highlights that approximately 930,000 people in the Czech Republic live with some form of sexual deviation. Men are disproportionately affected, with 11.3% of men experiencing paraphilic disorders compared to 6.4% of women. The most common forms include: Biastophilia (4.5%): A preference for acts involving rape or immobilization. Frotteurism (3%): Unconsented touching or rubbing against strangers in public spaces. Non-consensual sadomasochism (2.7%): Involving pain or...

 by Prague Morning Nov 25, 2024

Is Czechia Ready for the Euro? Government Reveals Key Pros and Cons

The Czech government is evaluating whether the country is ready to adopt the euro, following an assessment prepared by the National Economic Council of the Government (NERV). This unpublished analysis, obtained by the Czech media outlet E15, explores the potential benefits, drawbacks, and risks of transitioning to the European currency. However, economists have not yet endorsed entry into the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II)—a necessary precursor to adopting the euro. The decision will likely be left to the next administration. A Strategic Review of Readiness In February, Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s cabinet reviewed a report from the Ministry of Finance and the Czech National Bank assessing the fulfillment of the Maastricht criteria and the Czech Republic’s economic alignment with the eurozone. Subsequently, NERV was tasked with delivering a detailed analysis tailored to the country’s specific economic conditions. Economist Mojmír Hampl, a member of NERV and one of the report’s authors, said to E15: “This wasn’t about whether to adopt the euro, but whether we should enter the ‘anteroom’—ERM II. The consensus was that the government must first set a concrete adoption date. You don’t enter the anteroom without intending to step into the living room.” No Immediate Steps Expected...

 by Prague Morning Nov 24, 2024

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